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4.21 AVERAGE

dpai12's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 25%

Thank you  NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

I tried hard to like this author’s writing, but just couldn’t get through the first 25%. The writing is monotonous, and often over-dramatic, even in situations where it could be subtle.  Also, I did  not feel the chemistry between the lead characters. It’s a great premise, but the execution needs improvement.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

THE BEST WORST THING hurt so good like only the realest of stories can. Real in a way that doesn't sacrifice the hardships of life to the editing floor. In how the characters you're meant to fall in love with will break your heart. No one is infallible, but that doesn't make you unlovable, no matter how often our brains try to convince us otherwise.

We meet Nicole when her sandcastle life gets smashed by crisis after crisis. She's gripping onto the last chance of her infertility journey. Her husband is found to be a lying cheater. The life she's sacrificed everything for is more nightmare than dream. But its familiar and she's resigned to accept it as her due for her perceived failures. You're going to want to shake Nicole alive, scream at her to advocate for herself, and not escape into the easy avoidance that mimics happiness.

Enter Logan. The goldenest of retrievers and the cinnamonest of rolls. He's the man who yearns. The good guy that doesn't finish last because he was respectful enough to not make it a competition. He may have that perfect heart-melting "It's always been you." appeal, but he's not a doormat. He's patient and kind and weird and nerdy and hard working and sorta perfect really.

The drama here is getting unstuck. You might think it's how are Nicole and Logan going to manage a new relationship during a period of change. And it's a good story. So good. They're the hottest and sweetest together, yes. But, be prepared to suffer. They habe to dare to confront hardships that will make life harder, but absolutely necessary to make it your own. They have to risk their old safeties and their new love to make it work. And it's such a moment when they finally get there.

Highly recommend THE BEST WORST THING for readers looking for a good cry, lots of feels, and a soft love along a rocky road.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books for the advance copy to read and review. 
challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No

Thank you so much to Avon Books for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌

Requested this after seeing Jessica Joyce’s review and I loveeee second chance so was really looking forward to this story! Obviously, The Best Worst Thing handles a very sensitive topic in experiencing infertility, infidelity and overall feeling unloveable. I don’t know if any of these elements were written from personal experience of the author but the fiery passion is undeniable and I want to commend Lauren for telling such a vulnerable story. 

Some things worked for me and some didn’t. As mentioned, I adore second chance romance: ✅ I love a dual timeline: ✅ I love a story that navigates rediscovery & reclamation: ✅ I love a supportive friend group that encourages on the journey: ✅

All things present in this book but for some reason it didn’t work for me. Maybe I just wasn’t the intended reader as the FMC was difficult to understand at times. Her would-be second chance lover more than once would be at the wrong end of a really jarring remark at no provocation and while I tried to extend grace considering the emotional circumstances, I take so much issue with unhealthy communication so this was hard to move past for me. The MMC was not initially described as the more appealing option and his shortcomings were highlighted in his early introduction (lives like a college bum in his early 30s) so I never felt a strong enough connection to champion their romance. 

I definitely think some readers who resonate with these experiences will have a much more impactful time than I did. Lauren Okie’s writing is also a shining factor in this debut and I’m excited to continue watching her journey as an author. 
challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

Nicole Speyer has the perfect life, the lovely home, and the handsome and successful husband. However, infertility problems have plagued their lives the last few years and taken an emotional toll on Nicole, even as she insists she's fine.

Everything comes crashing down after she discovers her husband’s affair just hours after their latest embryo transfer. Devastated, Nicole begins to question her every decision and overanalyze the last ten years of her life. She is unsure of what her future holds.

Heartbroken, now without a husband, and more than a bit inebriated, she impulsively knocks on Logan Milgram’s door one night. Logan is a former colleague, a bit of a nerd, extraordinarily nice, and kind of hot.

Nicole and Logan start to hang out - just as friends, initially - and Logan becomes Nicole’s reprieve from her complicated reality. Eventually attraction leads to feelings that Nicole must try to figure out as she navigates the mess her life has become.

I loved the slow-ish burn of Nicole and Logan’s relationship. I loved Logan’s kindness and consideration of Nicole’s feelings. I loved watching Nicole finally allow herself happiness and accept that her losses were not punishment for anything she has done.

Have you ever read a book that made you cry a lot and you loved it? The Best Worst Thing was that book for me. I cried, I laughed, and I loved it. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Lauren Okie’s debut novel, The Best Worst Thing, is a powerful story of love, loss, and finding yourself in the midst of all the chaos of life.
Please be aware that infertility and pregnancy loss are prominent themes in this novel.
Nicole has always wanted to be a mother. Unfortunately, infertility is making that dream extremely hard to reach. From the outside, it looks like Nicole has it all, the hot husband, Gabe, the big, beautiful home. Nicole thought all she was missing was the baby. So she quit her job and has spent the last 2 years solely focused on securing that final piece to her perfect life. But she’s starting to wonder if her life is as perfect as it seems. Could it be that the stress of infertility has been poking holes in her perfect life? Or is there more to it?
And then, finally, on their third and final attempt, their gestational carrier is pregnant! Of course, that same day, Nicole discovers that Gabe has been cheating. A couple of hours, and copious amounts of alcohol, later Mari, Nicole’s best friend, convinces her to knock on Logan’s door. He was a great coworker, but she hasn’t seen Logan since she quit her job. It’s been 2 years. Will he even remember her?
While this novel addresses some very heavy experiences, it is also full of hope, love, and fantastic banter. The Best Worst Thing, by Lauren Okie, was 4.5 ⭐️ read for me. Some of the banter between Nicole and Logan was unmatched! Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This one goes out to the bucket of tears I cried the last 30 minutes reading this book. Oh and my ruined sweater because I rubbed my face so hard my blush transferred.

I'm really trying my best to thread a coherent sentence after reading this dazzling (I know what people mean by dazzling debut now because this was one) debut from Lauren Okie. With characters in the 30s still trying to figure it out (who said you need to figure things out in your 20s?!), yearning like no other (Conrad-girlies, Mr. Darcy-girlies please rise up), and witty-quippy banter to destroy them all... this book checked off all my boxes. 

Lauren Okie's banter writing is NEXT level. Reading this book was a rom-com movie/show coming to life. I legitimately let myself only read 30 minutes of it at night like I was watching my comfort rom-com shows. The third person POV works so well in this and you can really tell that she gave it that extra TLC. Also, she's objectively hilarious. There's something about that banter that breathes life into Logan and Nicole and their romance that will instantly hook you. 

I also wanted to call attention to the IVC/Surrogacy representation in this. When you get to the acknowledgements you will see how much of a personal story this story was for the author and I want to thank Lauren for being so vulnerable and sharing this story. I will scream this everywhere I go/until the day I die, but this is why representation matters in stories!!! I've worked in the IVF field and the stigma and knowledge around it is still very much present. Yes, we made big progress, but it's there. However, reading this made me so happy that it wasn't just a small mention or glossed over, but it was very much a part of the book. It was a part of Logan and Nicole's story and was integrated so beautifully throughout. 

I think I can keep writing because I can't stop gushing about it, but I will be heavily invested in EVERYTHING Lauren Okie writes. She's pure talent! 

Pick this book up and let it be your next best worst thing (worst only because it's about to be your best). 

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an early e-ARC of this book!
challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Quick Summary: A right person, wrong time, right situation love story

My Review: The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie is a 2025 women's fiction/romance. It is scheduled for release on 10/14/25.

About the Book: "...an intimate story about starting over, second chances, and two people who cannot help falling into each other’s orbit once again."

In My Own Words: A love supreme journey into a forever love

About the Characters:

- Nicole Speyer - > I loved this character. Her life path was telling and so familiar. Her infertility issues and the emotional rollercoaster that she faced in association with that rang with truth. The internal and external challenges in her life shaped her, but they did not define her. She was stronger than she realized. Her story resonated with me.

- Logan Milgram - > This guy stole my heart. He was such a good man. He was a what you see is what you get type of person. I loved how he showed his heart. He was tender and passionate, nurturing and compassionate. He was the real deal. 

- Gabe Speyer - > He played his part. I would like to believe that he learned from his experiences,  stopped making excuses for his actions, and ceased projecting. By the end, I surmised that he at least realized that life is about choices.

- Valerie - > I adored her devotion and friendship with Nicole. I was also moved by her backstory. 

- The Friend Group - > I like that the author presented contrasting views on the friend front. There was a distinguishable difference between those who were loving and protective versus those who were toxic detractors.

- The Parents/Family - > I was not expecting Gabe and Nicole's parents to take the positions they did. Sadly, it was a tale as old as time and not in a good way. 

About the Conflict: This story was ripe with conflict. No matter what direction I faced, I saw that conflict was present. It was so well written. All of the issues were not necessarily a flash-bang-boom, but they were definitely sobering and devastating in nature. 

What I Loved:

- The time shifts between past and present
- The stolen moments that provided glimpses of what could be
- The friendship/partnership between Logan and Nicole
- The relationship between Nicole and Valerie
- The loyalty of Logan's best friend
- The emotional arcs for Logan and Nicole, both separately and together
- The self actualization played out in the lives of both leads
- The epic confession
- The ending and the new beginning found by the modern family

Trope Energy:

❤️ Never a dull moment energy 
❤️ Friends to lovers 
❤️ Anything for you support 
❤️ Witty banter 
❤️ Chemistry for days 
❤️ HEA 

About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Kristen Sieh. She made the story interesting. I became so wrapped up in it that I did not realize a male voice was missing. She captured my attention and kept it the entire time. The listening experience pulled all the emotions out of me. 

My Final Say: I loved this story. It was deep and real and challenging. I will not easily forget it. It gets golden hearts, a red rose, and a diamond rating. 

Other: Readers who love Persuasion, The Lake House, An Affair to Remember, and stories such as those will fall in love with this novel. 

* Potential readers should be mindful of any and all content warnings provided by the author and/or publisher. *

Triggers: Infertility, Miscarriage, Infidelity


4.5 stars - This took me by total surprise and while I had some friends who raved about this, I wasn't expecting it to hit quite. so. hard. This is not a typical light, fluffy, rom-com...it is angsty, it is so much mess, but it is also really funny and full of heart. Nicole was a sympathetic character and while she made a lot of mistakes, she is hilarious and had great character growth. My sweet cinnamon roll Logan can do no wrong and I was ready to fight for his honor, if I'm being totally honest. Their relationship development was raw and real and surprisingly believable considering the situation they find themselves in. 

PLEASE check the author's note before reading, there are some heavy themes at work here including cheating, infertility, and pregnancy loss. There were a few stylistic choices that felt repetitive and is the main reason I'm not giving this five stars. So, if you're looking for a messy and raw love story that is complicated, but that you can still laugh your way through? This book is worth your time. Short chapters, amazing banter, and unresolved questions had me reading this in 24 hours because I could not put it down. Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review. 
emotional funny lighthearted sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

This is a strong debut from Okie, she has a way of making places and emotions feel incredibly tangible to the reader which works extremely well in romance, this one had me smirking and blushing and laughing and tearing up in all the best ways. I'll be looking forward to more releases from her in the future. 
The romance between Nicole and Logan is full of banter and tender moments and i absolutely ate it up. The throughline of Nicole's fertility journey and her ending marriage brought more of a serious undertone to the novel - these were 2 adults dealing with very adult problems as they navigated their path to love. This made the scenes between Logan and Nicole - where he is so clearly down bad for her and she's allowed to have fun and be playful - all the more welcome. 
The only thing that really kept this from being a full 5 star for me was that i felt like the major conflicts between Nicole and Logan were sort of repeat incidents and while i know in real life people don't change immediately and it's realistic for people to repeat patterns of behavior before real growth it was a bit more frustrating as a reading experience. 
These two characters are so fully fleshed out and real and messy though, something i love to see in romance. And that means their journey and conflict will be messy too, so it works here I just wanted to shake them (mostly Nicole) a bit. 
Thank you so much to Avon and Netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review

If you’re looking for a top tier friends to lovers romance with such sweetness, tenderness, and emotional depth, this book is the one for you!!! This is one of the best debuts I’ve ever read, everyone give Lauren her flowers right now! Truly, this book has such a special place in my heart. I fell in love with Nicole and Logan the second they were on the page. Nicole is such a deeply relatable character, I felt extremely called out by her. Her character arc was healing for me as she found  true and genuine love after heartbreak and rediscovered herself along the way. And don’t even get me started on my man my man my man Logan Milgram!!!! He is such a dopey nerd who loves to yap and YEARN (in the hottest way possible). I love him with my whole heart. Friends to lovers will always get me because there is something about having that deep soul knowledge of the other person before pursuing them in a romantic way that always hits so hard. Their relationship was so hot and tender and everything I never knew I needed. Do yourself a favor and preorder this book ASAP! Lauren Okie, you’re a star!
Also, I would like to hit Gabe with my car ☺️